‘The view from the back seat’ (John 3:22-36)

These verses bring the conclusion of the ministry of John the Baptist into view. John was a faithful servant of Jesus who was glad to take the ‘back seat’ and point others in the direction of the One he served. As John gracefully stepped out of the limelight in this way, he also highlighted how Jesus was far more important than he, for Jesus came from the Father and with His authority to declare the truth. Faithful servants will not allow themselves to get in the way of the One they serve.

‘The other side of the story of the extravagant love of God’ (John 3:9-21)

While these verses contain some great truths that highlight the depth and breadth of God’s love in sending Jesus in to the world to be our Saviour, they also present the other side of the coin. Salvation is not automatically given out to all people. While today is the day of salvation, clearly there are many in this world who will not and do not believe in Jesus and who remain committed to their unbelief. The text should help us think soberly about the end of life and the urgency of turning in faith to Jesus Christ.

‘Spotlight on the extravagant love of God’ (John 3:9-21)

John 3:9-21 contains the most well-known verse of the Bible, John 3:16, and so this sermon highlighted the love of God, it’s reach and depth, it’s purpose and limits. God’s love for and to the world was revealed fully in the death of Jesus. By faith in Him ‘whoever believes’ is given the free gift of eternal life. Believers know and live in the light of this love of God, which we can never fully grasp.

Home Groups begin!

Now that our Hindexome Groups have been decided for 2013, we’re off and running! For the first part of the year we’ll be looking at the book of Proverbs. See the Home Group page for some details of where and when. If you want more detail, send an email to bendigopc@gmail.com or ring 54436189.

South East Bendigo PC launched!

Yep, no sooner does the post go up advertising that it’s about to begin…then all of a sudden…it’s begun! And we praise God for a really great beginning!  Great songs and prayers, reading and preaching of the Scriptures, nibbles and drinks, comfy chairs, people of imagesall ages, all gathering together to glorify God and hear from His Word.

Russ Grinter preached a great message from 1Peter 1:1-12 commencing a series that will continue on until Easter. Keep your eye on the website which will be up and running soon (we hope!) with sermon downloads available in due time.

 

‘On being born (twice)’ (John 3:1-8)

To many people the phrase ‘born again’ is an old cliché, but not to Jesus. When speaking with the Pharisee Nicodemus, Jesus explained to him that while all people enjoy physical life, not all enjoy spiritual life and that the new birth is needed to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus was confused by this, as many people are, but yet this is the plain teaching of the Scripture which tells us that the Holy Spirit makes people new through faith in Jesus.

South East Bendigo PC set to begin

The inaugural (OK…first) service of the South East Bendigo Presbyterian Church a.k.a. ‘Reforming’, (a ‘daughter’ church plant of Bendigo (St John’s)) is happening on February 3rd, 5pbaby-feet-first-stepsm at the chapel of the Bendigo Funeral Home, 29 Miller Street, Bendigo. Russ Grinter will be commencing a preaching series on 1Peter. All are very welcome to see our first steps!